Polaris rolls out new machines for 2015

A real Ace

Launched earlier in 2014, the Sportsman Ace is an interesting take on the all-terrain vehicle offering an operator platform similar to what you would find in a side-by-side machine, but in the form of a single-rider ATV. The steering wheel and upright seat offer users a different riding experience, in a package that’s sized for trail riding too. For 2015 Polaris will launch the Sportsman ACE 570 with that ProStar 570 45-hp engine in this machine. That should offer a handy power to weight ratio. During a short demo ride at the media event, the machine offered steady handling.

The Ace is also potentially well suited to the casual ATV user on your farm, or for someone who may have limited movement issues. The ACE is easier to enter and operate than the traditional ATV with it’s motorcycle-stance and handle-bar controls. That 570 model has 360-lb. payload capacity and can two up to 1,500 lbs.

Compact suspension

The ACE takes some ideas from other Polaris machines to create a smooth ride over rough terrain. The MacPherson Strut front suspension was the choice of engineers because of its compact design. The coil-spring approach to suspension wouldn’t fit in the machine’s design.

Compact A-arms too

The ACE draws on its RZR cousins for rear suspension with this compact A-arm suspension design. The machine has plenty of front and rear wheel travel to take on tough trails, or take you hunting in that back 40 woods.

Go bigger

The flagship Ranger XP 900 gets a horsepower boost to 68 hp in 2015. That means this big, capable machine can move up the road even faster. The top-end line up gets three power options for 2015. First is the upgraded 68 jhp Ranger XP 900. Then there’s the Ranger 570 Full-size and finally the Ranger diesel, which we’ll cover next. The 570 engine features 44-hp with electronic fuel injection for maximum power.

There will also be three new Deluxe Package Ranger XP 900 EPS models in the lineup: the Ranger XP 900 Vogue Silver Deluxe Edition for the trail; Ranger XP 900 EPS Hunter Deluxe Edition for hunting, and Ranger XP 900 EPS NorthStar Deluxe Edition for cold weather and work.

New diesel power plant

For 2015 the full-size Ranger diesel model gets a new engine. Made by Kohler the new engine is a Tier 4 compliant model that meets the emissions standards without the need for a particulate filter or the use of diesel exhaust fluid. The previous supplier had been meeting most emission standards but a requirement for altitude compensation was a required feature Kohler offers. The engine is a three-cylinder design and features mechanical injection.

Revamped two-seater

The original Polaris two-seater Ranger machine gets a significant upgrade for 2015 as its look better matches the top-end Ranger 900 XP line. The more-aggressive machine also gets a new cab with the same features as its big brother. The PRO-FIT line of accessories latches easily to the uniquely designed rollover protective structure frame – just like the bigger Ranger 900 XP. The machine also keeps its versatile body design that all use of the company’s Lock n Ride system for attached accessories. Out of the crate the new two-seater Ranger will offer users a lot of features.

Upgrading ATVs too

The Polaris Sportsman ATV lineup and for 2015 there will be six new members. The model shown here – the new X2 570 features the same chassis as the Touring 570 EPS but has a flip up second seat that doubles as a 400-lb. dump box. This machine has been outfitted with special wheels to help increase drainage on the farm – hence the mud. Here’s a quick rundown on the six new models. The firm offers the Sportsman Touring XP 1000 and the Sportsman XP 1000. The machines feature 88-hp engines with a ProStar single overhead cam 1000 twin engine that’s based on the popular 850 twin.

There’s also a new high-performance, close-ratio On-Demand true all-wheel-drive system for improved traction. The machines also feature engine breaking and active descent control for downhill braking. The XP 1000 can two up to 1,500 pounds, and has a big 120-pound rack capacity up front and a 240-pound rack on the rear. The 500 class expands with two premium models – the Sportsman 570 SP and the Sportsman Touring 570 SP.

Entry level ATV

New for 2015 – joining the Polaris ETX line of value machines – is the Sportsman ETX. It features the 570 chassis but a smaller and lower profile for easier mount and dismount. The ETX gets power from a 30-hp electronic fuel injected engine – and it’s the only entry-level model offering EFI. That EFI offers better run quality and elevation compensation to ensure reliability.

A new Crew

For 2015 the Crew line of multi-passenger machines will also feature three models. There’s the 60-hp Ranger Crew 900 with seating for five. There’s also the Ranger Crew 570 with 40-hp and seating for six and the six-seat (shown) and the Ranger Crew Diesel that gets power from that new Kohler three-cylinder engine. The crew-type utility vehicle market is growing as users see the value of having a multi-passenger vehicle that can go anywhere on the farm.

Utility vehicles are hot items – whether you’re talking the popular side-by-side models, or the single rider all-terrain vehicles. For 2015 Polaris is offering enhancements across the line we’ll detail below and in this gallery.

We got a chance to go through the Polaris factory in Roseau, Minn., which offered a look at how the company builds not only utility vehicles, but snow mobiles, in the factory. The company has a long history of innovation, from bringing the continuously variable transmission to the utility vehicle market, to laying claim as the first builder of a snow mobile.

So what’s ahead for the company? One key phrase is 570 – that’s the new engine that will power a new Ranger Crew model, the Sportsman ACE 570 and even the revamped two-seat classic ranger that now gets the full family look.

The 44-hp ProStar 570 engine will be a popular power plant for the company since it appears in so many new motels for 2015.

The upgrades and enhancements to the Ranger line are patterned after the popular Ranger XP 900, considered by the company to be its flagship machine. The more-aggressive profile of the XP 900 was launched in 2013, and now graces the Ranger two-seater for 2015. The Ranger family of side-by-sides looks like they’re all part of the same family.